At Libya talks, UN envoy stresses commitment to continued dialogue, positive outcome

11 March 2015 – Several Libyan political parties and personalities concluded a two-day meeting today in Algiers, during which United Nations envoy Bernardino León reiterated the resolve of the world body to continue the dialogue until it reaches positive outcomes.

Participants were briefed by Mr. León, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), who provided an overview of the progress and the challenges facing the Libyan political dialogue process. Mr. Leon noted the wide support among the different Libyan stakeholders and the public, together with neighbouring States and the international community at large.

According to a document released by UNSMIL, participants in the talks affirmed the pledge to protect the national and territorial unity, sovereignty and independence of Libya, as well as its full control over its international borders, and the rejection of all forms of foreign interference, and confirmed the need to commit to the principles of the 17 February Revolution, elaborated in the Constitutional Declaration. They also underlined their commitment to the political process.

UNSMIL’s press release said participants in the meeting were greatly concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the country and the increase in terrorist acts, because of the serious danger they pose to Libya’s security and stability, as well as to its national unity and social cohesion, and to its neighbouring States. Concerted efforts were needed to combat terrorism, they agreed, with a political solution that tackles persisting “division and chaos” cited as a major contributor to efforts to tackle terrorism.

Participants also condemned all attacks against civilians and civilian installations, as well as any other actions contradicting international law, UNSMIL’s summary said, detailing several other areas of agreement.

Within the meeting, positive suggestions and ideas were shared on the dialogue path and outcomes, and participants expressed their full conviction that a political solution can be reached. Participants remain fully committed to the dialogue as the only solution for the crisis in Libya and called for an immediate end to all violence to create an atmosphere conducive to the talks.

Source: UN News Centre – Africa